Moving to Germany: Unaccompanied Baggage and Household Goods
by Becca Stewart - December 16th, 2021
Congratulations on your assignment to Germany! Living overseas is an incredible experience. But first, you must get everything across the ocean and into Deutschland. If you’ve never done an OCONUS move (outside the continental U.S.), there are a few things you’ll need to know before packing day. Everything you own will go into one of three categories: your personal luggage, unaccompanied baggage, and household goods.
It might seem overwhelming at first, but with a bit of preparation, your PCS move to Germany will be as easy as apple strudel.
Unaccompanied baggage and household goods: What’s the difference?
Unlike a CONUS PCS (moving from one state to another within the continental U.S.), an OCONUS move separates your belongings into multiple shipments. The reason is simple: the bulk of your “stuff” comes by boat, which can take months to arrive. So, the military allows service members and families a smaller, faster express shipment to hold them over.
Your unaccompanied baggage (UAB) shipment, sometimes called the “express shipment,” is the smaller of the two. Typically, this shipment includes everything you absolutely need to set up your household. This shipment can take between 40-60 days to arrive, depending on location and season.
The household goods (or HHG) shipment includes everything else. This will be the bulk of your weight allowance and contains everything not packed in your personal luggage or unaccompanied baggage.
Your personal luggage (“accompanied baggage”)
Each member of your family can bring personal luggage or “accompanied baggage” aboard the airplane to Germany. The weight limit for each of these bags differs depending on the airline. Check with your transportation office or airline carrier to confirm weight allowances.
Your luggage should only contain the bare essentials. These items will be all you have until your unaccompanied baggage arrives.
What to pack in personal luggage
It’s tempting to pack as much as humanly possible into the world’s largest suitcases. But keep in mind that you’ll also need to transport these bags to and through the airport, then probably up a staircase or two once you arrive in Germany. Bring only what you absolutely need.
Your family’s needs may differ, but here is a good packing list to get you started:
Personal documents, like school records, medical records, birth certificates, social security cards, marriage license, and other sensitive information.
Clothing (consider that the seasons may change before you get your unaccompanied baggage).
Shoes
Uniforms (don’t worry about dress uniforms. Only what the service member needs for check-in and daily wear).
Sheets for each bed. You might have access to loaner sheets, but it’s always better to have your own.
Blankets. Germany can be quite cool at night.
Medications, supplements, and other health-related items.
Bath towels, wash rags, and kitchen towels.
Shower curtain and curtain liners.
Pet items if your pet is joining you overseas.
A few small toys, books, and other entertainment items for each child.
Charging cords for electronics. Make sure you have adapters for 220v systems.
Books, computers, and anything else you need for work or relaxation.
Unaccompanied baggage
Unaccompanied baggage (UAB) has a smaller weight limit than HHG, so you’ll have to choose wisely. This shipment can weigh anywhere from a few hundred pounds to 2,000 lbs. Check with your transportation office to check your weight allowance.
Typically, your unaccompanied baggage contains everything needed to set up your new home. It’s also a chance to pack some surprises for your family. Many people start feeling homesick right about the time this shipment arrives. With that in mind, pack a few comforts from the U.S., along with:
Kitchen essentials (click here for ideas).
Additional clothing (especially for the upcoming season change).
Toolbox with essential tools.
Vacuum and cleaning supplies (if you live off base, you will need an adapter for your 110v appliances).
Office supplies, including a printer and paper.
Entertainment, including gaming systems, favorite toys, bicycles, or other outdoor items.
Extra linens.
All professional gear (note: this doesn’t count against your total weight allowance).
A few family photos, mementos, or other items that might make you feel more at home.
Household goods
Everything that doesn’t go in your accompanied or unaccompanied baggage fits into one of three categories:
Should be thrown away, sold, or donated.
Needs to be stored in the U.S.
Goes into your household goods (HHG) shipment.
If it makes the HHG cut, it will be packed into crates by moving contractors, driven to a stateside port, and put on a ship destined for your new installation.
Keep in mind that off-base housing uses 220v electricity. Many of your American appliances won’t work in Germany or need adapters or transformers, which can sometimes damage your devices.
Your furniture will also be in your HHG shipment. Before bringing it along, consider where you’ll be living. Many German houses are much older – and much smaller – than American homes. There’s a good chance your one-piece box spring or your child’s humungous loft bed won’t fit up the stairs. Your sectional sofa might be too large for a German living room
Ask your sponsors about housing options. They can advise you on what to bring and what to leave behind.
Getting by until your belongings arrive
Your furniture won’t arrive in Germany for at least 60 days. Are you supposed to sleep on the floor until then?
Of course not!
All military installations have loaner furniture that military families can use until their HHG shipment arrives. The on-base Furnishings Management Office (FMO) provides a sofa, coffee table, kitchen table and chairs, beds, and mattresses for incoming families. The FMO also brings a full-size refrigerator for those living off base, plus a washer and dryer.
Once your HHG shipment arrives, FMO will take back the temporary furniture. The appliances will stay in your home for your entire time in Germany.
Many bases have a loan closet or thrift store, where you can purchase or borrow kitchen items until your unaccompanied baggage arrives. Contact your sponsor for more information about loan programs.
Want more tips to help you prepare for packing and moving day? Check out this blog post.
Becca Stewart is an Air Force Spouse, mother of two, freelance writer, and sufferer of Wanderlust. Originally from Colorado, she enjoys anything outdoors, especially if there’s snow involved. She is a travel fanatic, always looking for her next great adventure. As a full-time writer, Becca works closely with several nonprofit organizations and is a passionate advocate for human rights and military families. Learn more at writebecca.com.
